Metformin is a biguanide medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, and is often used in combination with other medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas.

Metformin works by lowering blood sugar levels in several ways:

• It reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
• It increases the sensitivity of the body’s cells to insulin, which helps the body to use glucose more effectively.
• It delays the absorption of glucose from the intestines.

Metformin is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Metformin can also cause a rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood.

Metformin is contraindicated in people with the following conditions:

• Severe kidney disease
• Severe liver disease
• Lactic acidosis
• Heart failure
• Diabetic ketoacidosis

Education that the registered nurse would have provided would you reinforce

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and prescribed metformin, your registered nurse will likely have provided you with the following education:

• How to take metformin correctly
• What side effects to watch out for
• How to manage your diabetes with diet and exercise
• How to monitor your blood sugar levels

Here is some additional education that I would reinforce:

• Why is it important to take metformin correctly? Metformin can cause side effects, especially when you first start taking it. Taking metformin with food can help to reduce these side effects. It is also important to take metformin at the same time each day to help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
• What side effects should I watch out for? The most common side effects of metformin are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience any severe side effects, such as vomiting that does not go away or severe abdominal pain, you should see your doctor right away.
• How can I manage my diabetes with diet and exercise? A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for managing diabetes. Eating a healthy diet can help to lower your blood sugar levels and improve your overall health. Regular exercise can also help to lower your blood sugar levels and improve your insulin sensitivity.
• How can I monitor my blood sugar levels? Monitoring your blood sugar levels is important for managing diabetes. You can monitor your blood sugar levels at home using a blood glucose meter. Your doctor will tell you how often you need to check your blood sugar levels.

Lifestyle changes a person should if diagnosed with diabetes type 2

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there are a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to help manage your diabetes and improve your overall health. These changes include:

• Eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet for people with diabetes is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sugar. It is also high in fiber and complex carbohydrates.
• Getting regular exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Losing weight if you are overweight or obese. Even losing a small amount of weight can make a big difference in your blood sugar control.
• Quitting smoking. Smoking can damage your blood vessels and make it harder to control your blood sugar levels.

In addition to these lifestyle changes, you may also need to take medication to manage your diabetes. Your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan that is right for you.

Importance of lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of diabetes management. By eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and losing weight if you are overweight or obese, you can lower your blood sugar levels, improve your insulin sensitivity, and reduce your risk of developing complications from diabetes.

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is important to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your diabetes. Your doctor can help you to create a treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and medication, if needed.

Here are some additional tips for making lifestyle changes:

• Set realistic goals. Don’t try to change everything at once. Start by making small changes, such as eating one more serving of vegetables each day or walking for 15 minutes after dinner.
• Find a support system. Having people to support you can make it easier to stick to your lifestyle changes. Talk to your family and friends about your diabetes, or join a support group for people with diabetes.
• Don’t give up. Making lifestyle changes takes time and effort. But it’s worth it for your health. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up. Just start again the next day.